The Hidden Struggles of Being a Self-Employed Artist (Let’s talk about it!)

Being a self-employed artist sounds like a dream, right? No 9-5 grind, complete creative freedom, and getting paid to do what you love. But behind the beautifully curated Instagram feeds and successful art sales, there’s a reality that many artists struggle with daily.

If you’re an artist—or thinking about taking the leap into full-time artistry—the journey isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. From financial instability to creative burnout, here are some of the biggest struggles that you might have as an artist and how to navigate them.




1. Financial Instability: The Feast or Famine Cycle

Unlike a traditional job, income as an artist can be unpredictable. Some months, commissions and sales are booming; other months, it’s crickets. This uncertainty can be stressful and requires careful financial planning.

Tip: Diversify your income streams—consider print sales, freelance work (offer your skills to others), workshops, funded projects, online courses, or collaborations to create a steady flow of income.

2. Marketing Yourself (Because Art Doesn’t Sell Itself!)

You can create the most incredible art, but if no one sees it, sales won’t happen. Learning social media marketing, SEO, and networking is just as important as mastering your craft.

Tip: Leverage platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your work. Use Blogger to write blogs about your work, that you can use to engage people in the reasons behind your art and where your passion lies and what inspires you - draw them in, and use keywords and hashtags effectively to improve visibility.

3. Creative Burnout: When Passion Becomes Pressure

When your passion turns into a full-time job, the pressure to constantly create can lead to burnout. The stress of making art just to pay bills can strip away the joy of creating.

Tip: Schedule creative breaks, experiment with personal projects, and remind yourself why you started in the first place.

4. Handling Criticism & Self-Doubt

Posting your art online opens the door to both praise and criticism. While constructive feedback helps you grow, negative comments (or worse, silence) can be discouraging.

Tip: Develop thick skin and remember that not everyone is your audience. Stay true to your artistic vision and seek support from your inspiring networks that will continue to help you grow and nurture your artistic talent.

5. The Struggle to Stay Inspired

Constantly coming up with fresh ideas can be exhausting. Creative blocks happen, and they can be frustrating when your income depends on new work.

Tip: Surround yourself with inspiration—visit galleries, take walks, travel, or collaborate with other artists.

6. Balancing Art with Business

Artists don’t just create—they manage invoices, track expenses, plan social media, and handle customer service, not to mention liaising with printers, sourcing materials etc. Juggling the business side can take up more time than actually creating.

Tip: Using easy to access tools and templates in Google Sheets to organise and plan your projects, social media, Canva to help design your posts and assets. And if you have the budget - there’s also QuickBooks, or Trello to keep your business organised and automated where possible.

7. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Even the most talented artists experience moments of self-doubt, questioning whether their work is "good enough."

Tip: Remember, every artist starts somewhere. Your art is valid, and growth comes with time and practice.

8. The Emotional Toll of Rejections

Gallery rejections, failed collaborations, and slow sales can feel personal. It’s easy to equate artistic success with self-worth.

Tip: Understand that rejection is part of the journey. Keep pushing forward, and the right opportunities will come.

The Reality of Being a Full-Time Artist: Worth It?

Being a self-employed artist comes with its challenges, but it’s an incredibly rewarding path. Your journey won’t always be linear—there may be times when you need to seek alternative income sources, and it might feel like you’re straying from your true path. But stay committed! Keep reminding yourself of where you want to be and what you deserve. The ability to create on your own terms, connect with an audience that appreciates your work, and build something truly your own makes every challenge worthwhile.

✨ Want to see more of my journey as an artist? Follow me here:

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